No Tent Camping Near Yellowstone After Mich. Man Mauled
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) - The Gallatin National Forest says grizzly bear experts have recommended banning tent camping in three campgrounds near Yellowstone National Park, including one where a Michigan man was mauled to death last July.
The requirement for hard-sided recreational vehicles only is in effect for the Soda Butte, Colter and Chief Joseph campgrounds just east of Cooke City because bears frequent those areas.
Forest spokeswoman Marna Daley says the requirement is in place this summer while managers consider a long-range strategy.
Hard-sided vehicles include those made of metal or strong composite plastic. Truck-box campers that have a 4-foot high hard side, in addition to a raised upper section, are permissible.
The new rules follow the death of 48-year-old Kevin Kammer of Grand Rapids, Mich., and injuries to two others at the Soda Butte campground last summer.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
